The 2024-2025 girls basketball season in Killeen ISD yielded shinning results, including two district championships, four playoff qualifiers and two regional semifinalists –– not to mention a combined 102 wins among the five teams.
Buckle up for 2025-2026.
Offseason workouts, summer camps, preseason practices and scrimmages are now fuel for the long haul. What sprouts from a new season that tips off Friday remains to be seen, but Chaparral, Ellison, Harker Heights, Killeen and Shoemaker players are certainly ready to start reaping the benefits of their months-long preparation.
The opening-night slate features home games for Chaparral (7 p.m. vs. Pflugerville Weiss) and Shoemaker (7 p.m. vs. Buda Johnson) and road tilts for Ellison (at Waco Midway), Harker Heights (at Buda Hays) and Killeen (at Lake Belton).
District 12-6A (HHHS, KHS, SHS) begins Dec. 16 while District 16-5A (CHS, EHS) opens Jan. 9.
Back on the schedule this season is the Killeen ISD Classic. All five will be in action Dec. 29-31 in the local event.
Check out team previews below.
View schedules here: https://tinyurl.com/2mvsbyzy
Chaparral
Last season: 25-12; Class 5A, Division I regional semifinalist
Head coach: Jennifer Graham
Coaching staff: Amber Kepler, Kiara Farley, Jacen Moore
District: 16-5A
Returning varsity players: Demiyah Carter, Taylor Hines, Tori Hines, Kennedy Reynolds, Gianni Hill, Amierah Moore, Sydnee Tate
Key newcomers: Ka’Liyah Nance, D’Miya Spruill, Dorianna Gilbert
X: @ChaparralWbball
Notes: Graham enters her second season in charge of the Lady Bobcats, who were runners-up to Ellison in District 16-5A a year ago then marched into the third round of the playoffs. The veteran KISD coach believes her team’s success will hinge on three ‘Cs’ –– consistency, communication and commitment –– and factors such as health, team chemistry and buy-in.
“I am excited for this season, and the team dynamics are different from teams in the past,” Graham said. “We will be a defensive-oriented team, never taking plays off and moving onto the next play if a mistake is made.” Graham said, noting her team’s collective speed and ability to get out in transition. “We’ll be able to play at a high tempo while also matching up well physically against strong opponents.”
Ellison
Last season: 27-11; Class 5A, Division II regional semifinalist
Head coach: Alisha Jones
Coaching staff: Carl Williams, Esha Curry, Shacoria Cooper
District: 16-5A
Returning varsity player: Jadesola Oladipo
X: @EllisonLady_BB
Notes: Jones takes over for longtime Lady Eagles head coach Sherry McKinnon. Jones, a former player and assistant coach for McKinnon, inherits a program that’s coming off an undefeated district championship and an appearance in the third round of the playoffs. The Lady Eagles’ will be revamped for 2025-2026, with many of its pieces to be determined. Oladipo will be the glue as she enters her third season on varsity. “These young women are coachable, hungry for growth and passionate about being great. We’re entering a new era at Ellison High School and building something special. Though we may be young, we are fearless, bonded and committed to each other’s success,” Jones said. “Our path this season will be paved by defense, discipline and relentless work ethic. We will defend with intensity, move with purpose and hold ourselves accountable every time we step on the floor.”
Harker Heights
Last season: 25-10; Class 6A, Division II bi-district finalist
Head coach: Shirretha Nelson
Coaching staff: Kevin Davis, Reginald Huggins, Blaine Hanes
District: 12-6A
Returning varsity players: Amanda Grate, Makaya Gaston
X: @The_Ladyknights
Notes: Nelson last season surpassed 300 career wins with the Lady Knights, who added to a memorable year by going 11-1 in 12-6A to win the district title. Heights will rely on Grate and Gaston in its pursuit of a repeat title, and Nelson –– who described her squad as “scrappy” –– said teamwork, solid defense and crisp ball movement will factor into the Lady Knights’ success. HHHS was tough to beat at home last season, going 16-3. The lone team to defeat the Lady Knights in district action was Shoemaker.
Killeen
Last season: 8-25
Head coach: Asrelle Anderson Collier
Coaching staff: Kyle Mosley, Rasheed Abddeen, Shaniqua White
District: 12-6A
Returning varsity players: Jaiden Jones, Yalonna Allen, Jasmine Boyd, Tanaya Butts, Ariana Brooks, I'Keryiah Thomas, Lilyana Jimenez, Zoe Thomas
Key newcomers: Nevaeh Fowler, Omega Wilson, Aaliyah Abddeen, DeJa Brooks
X: @KHSLadyRooBball
Notes: The Lady Roos closed out the 2024-2025 season with a road win at Copperas Cove, giving them a boost into what turned into a motivated offseason. Collier welcomes back a number of varsity contributors who will mesh with a fresh group. Collier described the collective unit as tough, fast and hungry to win. “This is Year 3 of building this program I have very high expectations. The most important thing for me is for our girls to enjoy the game and have fun while on the court,” Collier said. “Making the playoffs is a program goal that we have as a family, and the girls understand what it will take. Every game that we play we will have that underdog mentality, and we will keep pushing until the end of every game.”
Shoemaker
Last season: 17-11; Class 6A, Division II bi-district finalist
Head coach: Elise Kea
Coaching staff: Deasia Johnson, Tayona Arnold, Jonathan Wright
District: 12-6A
Returning varsity players: Jalaiya Johnson, Kalia Woodley, Heaven Britton, Alexis Robinson, Kaylee St. George, Alexius Smith, Amber Robinson, Janeen Lashley-Hill
Key newcomers: Kalia Tanks, Terriah Taylor, Karmen Harrison
X: @ShoemakerGBB
Notes: The Lady Grey Wolves finished runner-up in 12-6A to Harker Heights and advanced to the playoffs for a third straight season, and Kea said the quest for the veteran squad to make it four in a row will hinge on her team’s intensity and mentality. “We have higher goals and higher expectations that we pursue daily,” Kea said. “This season we have a tremendous amount of scoring ability, more speed and a stronger paint presence to clean the boards. These ladies have a lot of personality and don’t fear any obstacle or challenge.” Kea also said that she wants her players to learn from every aspect of basketball and carry that tough to life off the court. “Basketball teaches you how to life –– no regrets, hard work and a mentality to learn every day.”